| arithmetic (def. 2). |
[n. uh-rith-muh-tik; adj. ar-ith-met-ik] 
| 1. | the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics. |
| 2. | Also called higher arithmetic, theoretical arithmetic. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc. |
| 3. | a book on this subject. |
(téchnē) (art, skill) of numbers, equiv. to arithmé(ein) to reckon + -t(o)- verbal adj. + -ik -ic; r. ME arsmet(r)ike < OF arismetique < ML arismētica, with s for LGk th
| arithmetic (ə-rĭth'mĭ-tĭk) Pronunciation Key
The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. |